Patients requiring unplanned emergency care will continue to be treated as a high priority, but all patients must now undertake rapid antigen tests (RATs) (Healthy WA) on arrival.
These changes will help keep our patients, staff and the wider community safe from the spread of COVID-19. Please be assured patients in all pathways will be triaged as usual by ED staff to assess their condition and those needing urgent care will be managed accordingly. Read more about this triage process below in ‘When you arrive’.
Introducing RAT screening within our emergency departments (ED) allows us to identify easily those patients who need COVID-19 precautions before they enter the ED. It means greater protection for patients, staff, and the community.
Your RAT result helps decide where in the ED you will receive your treatment – it does not change the treatment you receive.
Please be assured you will be triaged as usual by ED staff to assess your condition. If you need immediate care, the appropriate care will be given.
When demand for emergency care is high
A new process will streamline the emergency department registration process at times of high demand due to COVID-19. This process will not compromise patient care
If there is a wait to see the nurse, patients will be asked to scan a QR code on their personal mobile device and complete a brief online questionnaire. This is a series of questions to help fast-track the triage process.
The QR code will be prominently displayed on posters at the entrance to the ED car park and along the pathway towards the ED green triage kiosk.
Emergency Department staff will assist patients who do not have their own device or are having difficulty completing the questions.
These team members will also identify patients who may be deteriorating or need additional assistance.
Process for entering the Emergency Department
- As soon as you arrive, please check in with staff who will be located outside the ED in the green kiosk. You will be asked a series of screening questions – please answer truthfully and fully.
- ED staff will direct you to the RAT screening area which has been designed to maximise protection of patients and staff.
- An ED staff member will help you complete the RAT. The result will be back within 15 minutes.
- Once your RAT result is obtained you will be taken into the ED for treatment.
- If you return a positive RAT, you will then have a PCR test (Healthy WA) to determine a definitive diagnosis of COVID-19. It can take up to 72 hours (3 days) to get these results.
If your RAT result is positive for COVID-19, you cannot have any visitors while you are in the ED to protect them against COVID-19 infection. ED staff will implement a special care plan to continue to treat you safely.
If at any time you are unsure of what to do, ask an ED staff member.
See how this new process works
Information for support people accompanying ED patients
In line with visitor arrangements for all public hospitals through WA, please limit the number of people accompanying a person who is coming to the emergency department. Support people will undergo the same screening process as emergency department patients and will be required to show proof of vaccination. Read information for all visitors on proof of vaccination documents and screening processes.
Please do not leave the designated ED areas to access other hospital areas or facilities.
Ambulance arrivals
Ambulance staff will liaise with emergency department staff when admitting patients who have arrived via ambulance.